The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport has issued a statement, which reads:

“More than 24,000 children in the Artsakh Republic have been deprived of the opportunity to attend school due to large-scale hostilities unleashed by Azerbaijan since the early morning on 27 September along the line of contact between Artsakh and Azerbaijan.” 

Despite its international obligations, Azerbaijan continues to shell even educational institutions with weapons prohibited by international law. As a result of the military aggression, the buildings and auxiliary buildings of more than 10 schools were damaged, as well as a number of kindergartens. Due to the Azerbaijani aggression, thousands of children are deprived of the opportunity to attend kindergarten; young people do not continue their education in universities. 

It should be reminded that responding to the letters of the RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Arayik Harutyunyan, UNESCO expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in the NK conflict zone, which leads to an increase in civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, including schools, cultural and religious sites.

UNESCO called for the protection of the right to education based on the principles of the Safe Schools Declaration, in line with its guidelines, to refrain from any attack or harm to children, teachers, education staff or schools. “These documents restrict the use of schools, universities for military purposes; urge to strengthen the protection of education from attacks, as well as to ensure the continuity of safe education during armed conflict.”